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Friday, April 12, 2013

Palak-Paneer Masala | Spinach-Cottage cheese Curry

Palak-paneer masala(Spinach-Cottage cheese curry) is a yummy north indian delicacy,very rich and delicious masala when paired with naan or rotis.Spinach/palak is one of the largely used green leafy vegetables and a healthy green too.Kids usually don't like eating greens and feeding them greens is a big issue but if paired with paneer they would love munching the cubes.And so,they don't like the bright green color too.I have modified the color with microwaving and adding tomatoes.I cooked this sometime back during our lent time.Also,in this dish the spinach is pureed and added.I adapted the recipe from Vahchef's video,here.The dish was very delicious with rotis.Do give it a try if u haven't tried the authentic flavors in this dish !!

Wash and place the spinach in a microwave safe bowl with water or heat a pan with water about 1/4 cup water,add spinach leaves and cook(about 2 minutes) uncovered until wilted.(Microwave takes about 3-4 minutes on high.)

Blend the wilted spinach without water in coarse mixture.(Don't overblend )

Heat oil in a pan and fry the paneer slightly if you wish and remove, place on a plate.(I have skipped this step).To the same oil,add the whole garam masala if using.Crackle the cumin seeds.Add onion and saute until sauteed and brown in color.

Add the ginger-garlic paste and saute till raw smell dispppears.

Add in the tomatoes and cook till these are mushy.Add the spices;red chilli powder,coriander powder,cumin powder,turmeric powder.Saute till raw smell disappears.Crush the fenugreek leaves in your palm and add the green chillies.

Add in the paneer cubes.Cook for another 1 minute,lower the flame and add the heavy whipping cream.

Turn off heat and serve hot.Add more cream for garnish if required !!!

Servings ~2-3 adults

NOTES
* Cook the spinach uncovered to retain the color.
* Adding a pinch of nutmeg adds flavor but is optional.
* I used homemade paneer,recipe is here.The homemade paneer is much softer in texture than the store brought one.

Look at the color of the palak, looks fresh and delightful. I think tomato made the difference! Also the beautifully coated paneer's texture is soft and perfect. Any day, pureed palak looks better than the beaten and pasted palak.Looks very delicious, Julie!